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Marquette University Law School

A specific course of pre-law study is not required for admission to the Law School. However, there are certain educational objectives that students should keep in mind when planning their college or university program. Prospective students are encouraged to read through the tips on preparation for law school on the Office of Admission's website.

Overview

Overview

About Marquette University Law School

A specific course of pre-law study is not required for admission to the Law School. However, there are certain educational objectives that students should keep in mind when planning their college or university program. Prospective students are encouraged to read through the tips on preparation for law school on the Office of Admission's website.

Reviews

The Law School at Wisconsin’s Marquette University is a supportive environment where “students are interested in each other’s success.” The school encourages students to realize that their fellow students will be future colleagues and urges them to learn to respect each other with that fact in mind early on. This mindset is upheld by both students and faculty, making sure that the entire institution functions as “a cohesive unit.” First year law students have no trouble scheduling their required courses because all 1Ls have their classes sched­uled for them. Though this negates the stress of not getting a needed class, some students see it as “scheduling nightmare.” After their first year though, students have an abundance of options within a vast variety of specializations in smaller classes. “Dean Kearney wants to make sure we learn the law, not the latest in pop sociology,” says a student. Administration is known to be extraordinarily helpful. “Even if you’re not talking to the right person, they’ll get you there.” With a new law building introduced in 2010, the school is constantly work­ing to stay current, offering the most cutting-edge legal education. “The Administration goes above and beyond for their students! Any problem or need can be brought to them and with ease they solve the issue. No red tape, no jumping through hoops, they are simply the best!” says a 3L. The legal writing program is particularly popular on campus. “In clerkship after clerkship, the research and writing skills I gained in class have been complimented,” says a student. Sports Law is another celebrated program at Marquette. Professors are lauded as “very knowledgeable, thought-provoking, and engaging,” as well as “unforget­tably intelligent and witty.” The faculty is made up of individuals hailing from top universi­ties and successful legal careers, yet still manage to “allow students room to debate legal issues in a cordial, professional manner.” “It is amazing how a two-second question might turn into an hour discussion outside of class,” says a 2L. “The professors have usually writ­ten many books on the subjects they're teaching” reveals a 2L. “Mostly the professors are caring and helpful. They are very open and one can learn a lot other than the subjects that they teach by spending time outside class talking to them,” says a 3L. “I am continuously impressed with the knowledge, intelligence, and enthusiasm that the professors demon­strate in lecture as well as in individual student/professor relationships.” Marquette prides itself on offering a “flexible evening program” and being “very accommodating to part-time students.” Many classes are offered at night to accommodate “full-time work schedules and family lives.” The school’s Milwaukee location affords the school’s career services center to provide “many opportunities to obtain practical experience through internships and clinic work in the legal community,” making it possible for students to get hands-on training throughout their academic career. “The extensive clinical, internship, and externship pro­gram run by Professor Hammer offers a great opportunity to get practice in a wide variety of subject areas while building a network of attorneys. The faculty is also extremely acces­sible,” says a 3L. “Especially the Academic Success Program, which provides 1Ls with access to 2Ls and 3Ls for study assistance,” reflects a 1L. The school continues supporting its students past graduation with its state bar exam exemption program, which allows graduates to begin their career without having to take the nationwide exam. The program is one of two of its kind in the state of Wisconsin. “My school is in a community with law­yers who care about the law school. Students get numerous chances to interact with, work with, and learn from the lawyers in the city and around the state,” says a 3L. “The new building is an amazing environment. It offers comfortable study space, a workout gym, and plenty of light,” says a 3L. “The law school classrooms are like walking onto the bridge of a starship; projectors and screens hidden in the ceilings; automated lights, microphones, and blinds; touchscreens that control the entire room. It is the ultimate joining of cutting edge technology and media integration with the age-old study of law,” a 2L chimes in. “There is a surplus of outlets, bathrooms, and study rooms. The library is an open, flowing concept, which means that there are stacks on each of the four floors. There is also a place to study for everybody—stereotypical silent library, forum and tables where groups of students can talk and study, and two floors where it is largely quiet and there are individual desks.”

Academics

Degree Programs Offered

Description: A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of law, for taking state and national bar examinations, and for advanced research in jurisprudence. Includes instruction in the theory and practice of the legal system, including the statutory, administrative, and judicial components of civil and criminal law.

Job Opportunities:

Lawyers

Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Judicial Law Clerks

Assist judges in court or by conducting research or preparing legal documents.

Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers

Conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. Determine liability, sanctions, or penalties, or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or settlements.

Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators

Facilitate negotiation and conflict resolution through dialogue. Resolve conflicts outside of the court system by mutual consent of parties involved.

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates

Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. May determine liability of defendant in civil cases. May perform wedding ceremonies.

Law Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in law. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Joint Degree Programs Offered

JD/MBA, JD/MBA Sports Business, JD/MA Political Science, JD/MA International Relations, JD/MA Philosophy, JD/MA in History of Philosophy, JD/MA Bioethics, all 4 year programs. Students may also earn the JD/Certificate in Dispute Resolution in three years.

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